The final bell has rung on the Class of 2024 who have exited in royal fashion - quite literally. The pomp and ceremony with which they have engaged in their rituals of farewell have been flavoured with affectionate relationship and mutual appreciation for all they have enjoyed and all they have given. Their royal wave was returned by heartfelt applause as they took their Final lap through the standing ovation of students and staff. The Class of 2024 have left a legacy of inclusion and gratitude for the opportunities afforded to them in a St Vincent’s College education. I extend my congratulations to all parents and carers of our graduating students for your endless devotion to your daughters, guiding and affirming your belief in their goodness and capabilities. It has always been a great privilege to know much of the personal journeys of our students and enter into a partnership of trust with you as parents. Looking back over the moments of both challenge and joy throughout a student’s time at the College makes their Graduation all the more significant.  I look forward to the celebrations we will continue to enjoy this evening.

A reminder that students return to Term 4 in their summer uniform on Tuesday 15 October. This means the school hat is compulsory and must be worn to and from school as well as at break times outside at school. Students are reminded to have their uniform items labelled and ensure that uniforms are checked for correct sizing. Please support the College expectations in that the uniform unifies the students without the need for adornment of jewellery and makeup. School is a place for each student to belong to a shared culture, to share her individuality through relationships and learning, not through a rejection of uniform standards. We will be clear and consistent in our expectations of uniform and appreciate your support as parents and carers.

Mrs Elizabeth Brooks

Deputy Principal

The focus of the Boarding House this week has been on ensuring our year 12 boarders have the farewell they deserve.

We started with the Boarding House Farewell Dinner where all the girls and special guests gathered to share an evening of good food, good company and the exploring of great memories.

Each year group gave their own unique tribute to the year 12’s. We were treated to some singing and dancing, beautiful poetry, decorated drinking glasses with personal notes for each year 12 girl, special memories and individual letters.  In turn the year 12’s recognised each boarder individually with a card.

The breakfast BBQ was masterfully managed by the year 11s. For some, it was an initiation into the art of barbequing, and for others it was a first lesson in how to clean up.

Our last farewell will be on Saturday with the Boarder Parent Brunch.

Recently, when the question was asked of the year 12’s what they liked most about boarding this answer stood out. I hope that it is true for all our boarders - “I love how close the connections between us girls are, and love that they are so much more than my friends, but my sisters. I love the learning opportunities that come with boarding, specifically the study help. I love the relationships I have with coordinators, knowing that I have people looking out for me as both carers and friends. I love the amazing food that is available to me at all times. I love in-weekend activities, bonding and having fun with girls of all ages. I love dinner table chats, hearing the highs and lows of everyone’s day. I love going into the girls rooms at night, hiding from the coordinators and staying up late talking about whatever’s on our mind. I love my year group and couldn’t think of a more amazing group of girls to be sharing this journey with ”.

Mrs Susan Turner

Dean of Boarding

Find out where joy resides, and give it a voice far beyond singing. For to miss the joy is to miss all.

- Robert Louis Stevenson

You may have come across Robert Louis Stevenson as the author of children’s classic Treasure Island, or the darker novel, Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. He was a prolific writer for whom literature appears to have been an escape and distraction from a life plagued by ill health.

His message is a powerful one, particularly at the end of Term 3 as we farewell Year 12. There has been great joy this week as students have reminisced and recalled fond memories of their time at the College. They have celebrated with peers and teachers their success in graduating and this rite of passage. They have found great joy in the learning and in seeing the growth they have achieved. There has also been joy in the sense of shared excitement for what is next, and joy in relationships that have been forged and obstacles surmounted.

In that spirit of joy I hope that all students have found moments of joy in their studies this term, whether that has been the joy of intellectual challenge or debate, the joy of creating and crafting, the joy of a success that has been gained through effort. For learning is not about assessments or tests or marks, it’s about immersion into creative worlds, past worlds, our local and global worlds. It is about discovering new passions and ideas, learning about oneself as much as subject content. There is much to celebrate and many moments of joy that have occurred and I wish all students and their families joy as they enter into the holidays as well.

Particular congratulations and best wishes to Year 12. The next time we see these girls they will be here for their HSC examinations. They have worked hard to reach this milestone and should end their experience here with a sense of joy and achievement.

Ms Alison Boyd-Boland

Director of Teaching and Learning

We have reached the end of Term, and we have just come out of the Chapel following the Mass of Celebration and Blessing for Year 12.  We managed to get 390 seats in the Chapel - a liturgical record - and we had a wonderful celebration.  Our Year 12s sang beautifully, with Ruby Waterlow-Heuston raising our hearts and minds as she “sang a song to the Lord”, our musicians, Hannah Singh and Isabella Chenu were magnificent on flute and violin and Mr Steve Samyia played the piano masterfully for us.  Four students from younger years sang especially for our Year 12s - Stephanie Pantazis, Samara Alexandratos, Rosie Robinson and Serena Stevens.  It’s not easy to sing and play for others, especially when it is so important to do a good job.  They were exceptional. It was a most generous thing to do with hours of rehearsal and care, all to make sure the Mass was worthy of a celebration of the Lord’s supper, and something beautiful for our community.  We are all so grateful.

St Paul reminds us, “Love delights in the truth.”  This was a truly fitting way for our Year 12s to finish their years of formation here at St Vincent’s.

We have launched the “Houses Making Homes” project, with students invited to bring in an item, perhaps in collaboration with a friend, to offer tangible support to a family escaping domestic violence at The Cottage, a work of Open Support.  If you haven’t heard about this yet, do ask your daughter.  Details will be on her House Google classroom.  She might need to pop into Target or somewhere to purchase an item for her ‘room’.  This would be good to do during the holidays.

The Student2Student Reading program has finished up. Our girls have done a brilliant job again this year.  What gets me every year is their commitment to their reading buddies.  I was speaking to a Year 11 girl last week about the need to prioritise a different meeting and she was deeply concerned about putting off her little reading buddy.  I love that.  Here’s the evidence:

Thanks to all the families who have supported the “Fund a Filling” initiative for Sandwich Project.  Gosh the girls on Sandwich Project were impressive yesterday.  I was running late and they waited patiently and then went for gold on the sandwich making.  I’m so proud of them.  There will be more sandwich making next term.  Any assistance you can give is deeply appreciated.  A Woolies voucher stretches a long way.

One more thought:  you may know that the St Vincent’s Community sponsors three students at the School of St Jude in Tanzania.  Gemma Sisia Rice,  Vinnie’s old-girl and extraordinary human, is grateful for our commitment.  We are a bit worried that our collection methods have not been as fruitful as usual.  If a group of parents would be interested in forming a  ‘syndicate’ and pooling funds to support one of the students at St Jude’s that would be fantastic.  No minimum of contribution, of course.  If we all work together, we can get there.  If you’d like to contribute, just shoot me an email and we will see what we can do.

kenderesj@stvincents.nsw.edu.au

Let’s do even more in Term four!

Mrs Jo Kenderes

Director of Faith and Mission

Shape nominations in TAS

Shape is the  prestigious annual exhibition of students’ major practical projects submitted as part of their HSC examinations in Technology and Applied Studies subjects.

A nomination to Shape is a wonderful recognition of the quality  and interest of a project submitted. While it does not guarantee the selection of the project for exhibition,  it remains a significant honour for the College.

We have received two nominations from our 2024 cohort: Isla Ratcliffe's Design and Technology project and Lauren Hugo's Textiles and Design project.

Inspired by personal experience,  Isla designed a range of functional, medically appropriate and aesthetically appealing clothing for children undergoing chemotherapy. Discrete accommodation was cleverly made for attached medical equipment involved in these therapies. Her design addressed a real need in an inclusive, effective and attractive manner.

Lauren designed a contemporary costume inspired by eighteenth-century French court robes to be worn by a character representing a reincarnation of Marie Antoinette.  The aesthetic flair of her work was complemented by intricate and complex tailoring, construction and decoration techniques.

Ms Sana Issa and Ms Silk Burke are thanked and recognised for the expertise and care they offered to their HSC classes that made these wonderful designs possible.

Graeme Colman   Head Teacher,  Art and Design.

Career News 27 September

Career Spotlight: Data Scientist

With Big Data, social media, machine learning and artificial intelligence, data scientists have become one of the most in-demand professionals globally. According to Seek , a data scientist earns an average annual salary of $135,000. Find out why your students should study Data and Technology.

UAC News

Early Bird Processing Deadline Approaching

30 September

For anyone wanting to apply for undergraduate study in 2025, please complete and pay for your application before midnight on 30 September, when the processing charge increases. Once you’ve applied, you can change your preferences as many times as you like, no charge.

ANU, Canberra

Students who applied directly to ANU and have received an early offer have until Wednesday 2 October 2024 to accept. Students who accept their offer now will be able to change their preferences or defer the offer later in the year. ANU have answered some of the most common questions about the early entry process, use the link provided to find out more.

For students who would like to study at ANU next year but did not apply early, they can apply now through the Universities Admission Centre (UAC).

School Holiday Campus Tours.

ANU are welcoming all future students onto their campus these school holidays. If you are visiting Canberra, adding a visit to ANU would be a really worthwhile thing to do. Campus tours are available on weekdays and Saturday mornings until 12 October. To book a tour please use the link found here

UNSW.

UNSW Medicine Entry

Applications close 30 September

For students interested in studying the Bachelor of Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine (BMed/MD) at UNSW, they must apply through UNSW’s Medicine Application Portal (MAP) by 11:59 pm on Monday, 30 September 2024. For more details please use the link found here .

Portfolio Entry Early Conditional Offer Scheme

Applications close 18 November

For Year 12 students interested in studying Arts, Design & Architecture or Engineering, the UNSW Portfolio Entry scheme boosts their chance of admission. Successful applicants will receive an early conditional offer with an adjusted ATAR entry requirement up to 10 ATAR points below the lowest selection rank for a specific degree or range of related degrees. To learn more use the link found here.

University of Wollongong

Journalism School Holiday Workshops

1 & 2 October

Sign up now to attend one or more workshops created for aspiring young journalists. Two different workshops are available: Audio Journalism and Video Journalism. For more information and to register your interest use the link found here.

Macquarie University

Webinar For Parents

14 October

6-6.45pm

Helping parents support their teens to cope with Year 11 and 12

Throughout this webinar Dr Jessica Belcher will draw on current research to discuss why students feel stressed. Jessica will also give some helpful tips on what parents can do to help their teen manage stress throughout their final years of high school. Registrations for this event are essential using the link found here

Helen Marshall

Careers Adviser

Dear Year 7 & 8 Parents,

We're excited to announce that the amazing Australian author, Danielle Binks, is visiting our school! She will be sharing her writing journey and discussing her new book, "Six Summers of Tash and Leopold."

Year 7 students already had a chance to meet Danielle online, and we can't wait to have her here in person. To make this even more special, you can order copies of her new book using the link or code below. Your children will have the opportunity to get their books personally signed by Danielle.

If your child is in Year 7, they already have her book "The Year the Maps Changed," and Danielle would be happy to sign that as well.

Please order your books as soon as possible so they arrive in time for Danielle's visit on October 30th.

Yours in Reading,

The English Department and the Library Team

Term 3 has been a very busy time for our co-curricular dance, drama, music and public speaking students. We started the term with the final 2 rounds of the Archdale Debating competition as well as our drama student’s competition in the Sydney Eisteddfod. Our students competed in the “Group Scene from a Play” section and were awarded second and third place.  There were also many students who participated in solo performances at the eisteddfod as well.

After this we switched our focus to choir and dance as we headed to St Mary’s Cathedral to sing for Catholic Heath Australia’s Mass. This was a fantastic opportunity for our choir and we feel very privileged to be invited to perform for such an event.

Our Theatresports students also showed their talents for improvisation taking out the All Girls Shield at PLC. Our 3 teams all performed with great confidence and it was such a fun evening for everyone involved.

A few days later our year 7, 8 and 11 dance groups were representing the college at the CGSSSA dance competition held at Santa Sabina. Having a mid-year performance was a really great experience for all our dancers and really encouraged and motivated them to work together and perfect their routines. The competition was strong with our Monday dance ensemble ended up being awarded second place. We hope to build on this for next year and introduce some additional styles so we have more groups ready to compete.

Following these we had some school performances including the Spring Fair and Music Night which are both a great opportunity for our musicians to showcase their talents.

This week it was our public speakers who had their turn on the stage as we held the SVC Public Speaking Competition. The adjudicator was impressed with the incredible talent of our students, not only for the delivery of their speeches but also the creativity of their content. Congratulations to everyone who competed and to Alessandra Holt and Henrietta Dermody who were awarded first place in their sections and will now go on to represent the College in the Public Speaking Section at the IGSA Festival of Speech.

Finally, I would like to finish by thanking Polly Grindrod, our 2023-2024 Arts Captain. Polly has always been such a great supporter of everything Arts at the College and I thank her for the wonderful work she has done in being our Arts Captain this year.

Belinda Peoples

Co-Curricular Co-Ordinator

Mamma Mia! Kalakairi is coming to Caritas Christi!

The islanders of the mythical Greek island of Kalakairi are preparing for a wedding - and you’re invited!

With brushes in hand, smocks over uniforms and a song in their hearts, cast and crew of the upcoming production of Mamma Mia! Have been busily transforming set pieces into the colours of Greece.

Watch out for those wedding invites! Nuptials begin on 20 November, and the dress code includes dancing shoes!

Our busy elves are Katja Moritz, Olive Hope, Maddison Tapp, Isabelle Peters, Grace Donnison, Abigail Blackman, Eva  Travers, Sage Croft, Stephanie Pantazis, Charlotte Buckley, and Samara Alexandratos.

Co-ordinator of Sport: Jacinta Jacobs: 0418 416 663 - jacobs@stvincents.nsw.edu.au

Head of Netball and Basketball Ms Elyse Harmanis
0434 610 870 elyse.harmanis@stvincents.nsw.edu.au

Head of Hockey Mrs Marcia Scally - 0411 620 425
marcia@scallyfamily.com
Head of Football Mr Nick Schroeder - 0431 117 565
schroedern@stvincents.nsw.edu.au

Website: www.stvincents.nsw.edu.au/learning/sport

For all draw and venue information go to: www.stvincents.nsw.edu.au/sport/weekly-sports-draw/

IGSA Spawtz: https://igsasport.spawtz.com/

TERM 3 SPORT

Thank you to all students who have played sport this term and to all parents who have driven their daughters all over Sydney on Saturday mornings! A big thank you also to all the families who have helped the boarders and given them lifts on Saturdays. We had some very exciting grand finals last weekend with some amazing victories for SVC 1 Football who beat Monte 3-2 in a nail biting final game. In Netball we had two teams take out the title and in Hockey SVC 2 were victorious.

What stood out to me at all the finals was not only the wonderful sportsmanship and competitiveness but also the humility and Vinnie's spirit shown in defeat. We can't all be winners but we all can definitely learn from our mistakes and grow as athletes and as people. A huge thank you also to all of our wonderful coaches who have trained our teams this term, we look forward to seeing you all again soon. The highlight during the week was the Staff v Yr 12 Netball Game that I umpired. It was great to see so many students and staff watching and cheering as it really was an entertaining match! We wish all of our Year 12 students a great study break and hope that you all smash the HSC! Don’t forget to keep active and let us know if you’d like to come back to coach next year!

GO VINNIES!

I GSA HOCKEY

SVC02 are the Champions!!!

It has been a long time coming…..

In a thrilling and tight grand final, the SVC02 were victorious in taking out the championships! The team started strongly with a circle penetration in the first 30 seconds of the starting hooter and only narrowly missing the goal. This led the frantic opposition to dig deep and put sustained pressure on the team. A little structural change with player on player marking, the team were able to break down any counter acts quickly. The depth created and perfectly positioned forwards secured our first goal in the first half, and was lovely to see the post goal celebrations. The pressure of a small lead continued in the second half, however, the determination for the win drove the team to form wonderful passages of play to secure their second goal. This was definitely the best performance for the team and a wonderful insight to what the future holds for this team next season.

Many of the players have only picked up a hockey stick this year and to come away with the championship on debut is tremendously remarkable!

It has been such a positive season for hockey and plenty of wonderful friendships formed as a result. Looking forward to seeing what the 2025 season brings.

On behalf of Tonya and myself we’d like to thank both SVC01 and SC02 for having us as coaches, it has been an absolute pleasure.

Good luck to all the year 12 students for your HSC and beyond!

Mrs Marcia Scally - Head Hockey Coach

IGSA FOOTBALL

This past weekend, our SVC teams gave everything they had in the IGSA Football Grand Finals, with results that showcased the spirit, determination, and sportsmanship that have defined their seasons.

SVC 1 are champions! In an exhilarating Grand Final, our girls triumphed 3-2 over arch-rivals Monte in a match that had everyone on the edge of their seats. The game was tightly contested, with the score level at 1-1 going into halftime. SVC1 came out firing in the second half, taking control and surging to a 3-1 lead. Just when it seemed the game was wrapped up, Monte was awarded a late penalty, which they converted to make it 3-2, creating a tense final few minutes. However, SVC1 held their nerve and defended brilliantly to secure the victory and claim the title outright. This win is a testament to the team's resilience, focus, and hard work throughout the season. A special congratulations to Coach Liz Grey for her tremendous work with this team. Liz has been a truly inspirational leader and role model for our Vinnies girls. We are blessed to have her on board, and her guidance has been instrumental in this outstanding achievement.

SVC 2 fought valiantly in their Grand Final but narrowly lost 2-1 to Danebank in what was another tense and hard-fought match. Despite dominating large parts of the game and creating several opportunities, the girls couldn’t quite find the finishing touch to turn the match in their favour. Nonetheless, they can hold their heads high, having had an outstanding season, full of resilience and high-level performances. They have much to be proud of and will undoubtedly come back stronger next season.

SVC 3 endured heartbreak in their Grand Final, going down 1-0 in a close contest against Monte. It was a game of fine margins, with SVC3 creating numerous chances but being unable to find the back of the net. Monte's goal came from a long-distance shot that gave our keeper little chance, making it even harder to stage a comeback. Despite the result, the team's effort and determination were evident throughout, pushing Monte to the limit and fighting until the final whistle. It has been truly wonderful to watch this predominantly Year 12 team throughout the season. Their joy, camaraderie, and friendship have shone through, making this season a special experience for them in their final year at the College. Through all the ups and downs, the girls have shown incredible character, balancing trial exams, assessments, 18th birthday parties, injuries, and illness, all while performing at the highest level. A special thanks to Coach Mr Harvey for his unwavering guidance and support, which has been key in helping this team reach the Grand Final.

It would be remiss of me not to mention my tough little SVC6 team, who have had a season filled with character-building experiences. As I’ve mentioned before, we placed this team in the junior competition rather than the Year 7 comp, meaning they faced much bigger and more physical opponents all year. But to their credit, they not only matched these teams but also came away with some great wins. This experience will serve them well next year when they play in the same division, and I have no doubt they’ll be even stronger for it.

Thanks to all the Vinnies footballers this year! It has been a record season in terms of participation and success, with half of our teams making it to the Grand Finals. Enjoy the summer break and summer sports. See you all again next year for another exciting year of IGSA football. A heartfelt thank you to all the parents and carers too, for their commitment to our young football stars. This season would not have been possible without your support.

Mr Nick Schroeder - Head Football Coach

IGSA NETBALL

As we wrap up the 2024 Netball season, it’s the perfect moment to celebrate our incredible achievements while looking ahead to even greater success. A special congratulations to SVC 9 and SVC 19 for their outstanding performances last Saturday, where they were crowned champions of their divisions! Their teamwork, dedication, and growth throughout the season have been truly inspirational, raising the bar for all our teams.

I also want to recognise our runners up teams – SVC 5, 6, 13, 14, 15, and 20 for their fantastic efforts. Their sportsmanship, competitive spirit, and determination made their games thrilling and enjoyable for everyone involved.

Looking forward, our focus will be on building from this season’s strong foundation, emphasising strategic gameplay, teamwork, and fitness. We’re excited about the potential 2025 Netball holds and are confident that the dedication shown this term will continue to bring success.

To all our Netball student's, stay committed, keep practicing, and approach the next summer sports with passion, perseverance, and team spirit.

IGSA BASKETBALL

This term in Basketball has seen tremendous growth and development across all our teams. Week after week, our players faced new challenges and opportunities, pushing themselves to improve and deliver stronger performances.

SVC 1 displayed remarkable progress, battling tough competition and earning well deserved wins. Despite facing formidable opponents, the team came together and secured a spot in the semifinals. Though their journey ended there, their improvement from Term 2 has been undeniable, and they are primed for an even bigger season in 2025.

SVC 2 had a strong term, securing 5 wins and navigating some close losses. Their hard work paid off with a 3rd  place finish in their division, a clear testament to their growth since Term 2.

SVC 3 may have faced a few unlucky breaks, but they wrapped up the season with immense improvement and dedication. Their weekly progress was impressive, reflecting their commitment to the game and to each other.

As we look ahead to the 2025 season, there is plenty to build on. The experiences and lessons learned this term will provide a solid foundation for even greater success. We encourage all players to stay active and keep practicing over the break, ready to return stronger and more determined than ever!

Ms Elyse Harmanis - Head Basketball and Netball Coach

SPORTS STARS OF THE WEEK This section is to make the College community aware of some of the exceptional athletes we have in the College.  If your daughter has represented her state or country recently in her chosen Sport, please send us any results, photos or blurbs on her performance to jacobs@stvincents.nsw.edu.au

Congratulations to: All of our Year 12 students who played in the Students v Staff Netball match on Monday and to those who supported and cheered them on! What a great display of athletic ability and sportsmanship that was. It was great fun and the teachers thoroughly enjoyed the flogging! We are going to miss all of you and wish you all the best for your HSC exams!

Congratulations to: Alyssa Costa in Year 12 who competed in the 2024 Boxing NSW State Titles in the open youth 60kg category last weekend. She won her category and is now the State Champion! We are very proud of her achievement. Well done Alyssa!

Congratulations to: Evie Bresnahan - yr 10 who represented NSW in the State of Origin Oztag  series against QLD on the weekend. Their team won 3 games to 1 therefore becoming the under 16s champions!

Photo Of Evie

Congratulations to: Iyla Maguire - Yr 12 and Niamh Mackenzie - yr 11, Lucy Byrne - Yr 11 and  Siara McCreery - Yr 9 who competed at the NSWCIS Athletics Carnival at Homebush on Tuesday. Niamh is now the 16 years  High Jump Champion and Iyla is the 18yrs High Jump Champion. Siara McCreery placed 7th in the 15 yrs Long Jump and Lucy  placed 8th in the 17yrs Shot Putt in a very strong CIS competition. Well done girls!

Ms Jacinta Jacobs

Co-ordinator of Sport

Reunions

Class of 1984

40 Years Reunion

When : Saturday 5 October 2024

Where : The Winery – Private Dinning,

Time : 12:00pm – 5:00pm

RSVP : 16 September 2024 using this link:
https://pp.events/avMdYqzE

The Class of 2019

When: 12 October 2024, 2pm

Please contact:

Grace McGree

The Class of 2004

When: 19 October 2024

Please contact Gemma McHugh (Madigan-Beach):

Gemma.Mchugh@hotmail.com

Class of 1989

35th reunion

When: Saturday 9th November

Where: The Red Lion Hotel,
726 Darling Street Rozelle
Time: 3 pm
RSVP: by 25 Oct - contact Jen K 0413546547 or Jen S 0410405445

Class of 1974

50 Year Reunion

Sunday 10th November

Further details:
svc.class1974@gmail.com

The Class of 1964

When: Friday 22 November 2024

Please contact Sandra Baz:
sandyborger@gmail.com